Vehicle Underbody Imaging with Multi-Mirror Optical Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for optically recording a vehicle's underbody face challenges in achieving complete width coverage with uniform spatial resolution and distortion-free imaging, often requiring complex mathematical corrections for non-orthogonal views.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple mirrors arranged to deflect the camera's field of view, allowing simultaneous recording of multiple areas of the underbody without distortion, with the mirrors calibrated to create a coherent image, enabling complete coverage and cost-effective 3D reconstruction using a single camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used to capture the entire width of the underbody, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and distortion-free imaging deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody imaging task is segmented into multiple sub-areas, each captured by a separate mirror. Multiple mirrors divide the wide field of view into distinct segments, allowing each mirror to capture a specific portion of the underbody without requiring a single complex wide-angle lens or multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
Mirrors are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the single camera and the underbody. These mirrors act as mediators that redirect light paths from different underbody regions to the camera sensor, enabling wide-area coverage while maintaining image quality and minimizing distortion through controlled reflection angles.
2Measurement precision
If the line of sight hits the underbody orthogonally, then the imaging distortion is minimized, but the device complexity and difficulty of achieving complete width coverage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is extended into a third dimension by using vertically arranged mirrors above the underbody. Instead of spreading mirrors horizontally across the width (which would increase device width and complexity), the mirrors are stacked in the vertical dimension, allowing orthogonal imaging of wide areas without increasing lateral device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirrors are pre-positioned and pre-aligned at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to deflect light paths orthogonally onto the underbody before imaging occurs. This preliminary optical configuration ensures that all captured images require minimal or no post-processing distortion correction.
3Area of stationary object
If mirrors are arranged to cover the entire underbody width, then the area coverage is improved, but the mirrors may shade each other and interrupt the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
Mirrors are arranged in the vertical dimension rather than horizontally overlapping in the same plane. This vertical stacking allows each mirror to capture a different spatial segment of the underbody without physical overlap or mutual shading, maintaining clear line of sight for all mirror-camera paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirrors are positioned asymmetrically at different heights and lateral offsets, with each mirror optimized for its specific viewing angle and area. This asymmetric arrangement prevents mutual occlusion while maximizing the total covered area, as each mirror operates in its own optimized optical zone without interfering with others.
4Productivity
If multiple mirrors are used to capture multiple areas simultaneously, then the productivity and recording frequency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mirror stations are merged into a single integrated imaging device sharing one camera and one image processor. Instead of using separate camera-mirror assemblies for each underbody area, the system combines multiple mirrors around a common camera, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining simultaneous multi-area capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera serves multiple functions by capturing images of different underbody areas through different mirrors simultaneously. This universal imaging approach allows one camera to perform what would otherwise require multiple cameras, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures distortion-free imaging and complete coverage of the underbody, eliminating the need for complex corrections and allowing for efficient recording and reconstruction of the vehicle's underbody, even at varying angles, while maintaining a compact design and minimizing soiling of the mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
the mirrors are arranged and aligned in such a way that the camera can record images of several areas of the underbody of the vehicle at the same time
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (6) for optically recording the underbody (4) of a vehicle (2) using at least one camera (8), said device comprising at least two mirrors (10), which are arranged and oriented such that images of a plurality of regions of the underbody (4) of the vehicle (2) can be recorded simultaneously by the camera (8).